Pedestrian hit while walking on highway

A pedestrian pinned beneath a car after being struck on South Pacific Highway early Wednesday had to be extricated and was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, Medford police reported.

By RYAN PFEIL

A pedestrian pinned beneath a car after being struck on South Pacific Highway early Wednesday had to be extricated and was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, Medford police reported.

The incident occurred at 5:52 a.m. near the highway's intersection with South Stage Road. Police said 63-year-old Craig John Gilmore, a transient, was walking in the right-hand, southbound lane when a 1998 Toyota Avalon struck him at about 40 mph.

Gilmore flew up onto the windshield, rolled off and was pinned beneath the vehicle, said police, who added that the driver did not appear to be at fault.

Police, Medford Fire-Rescue and Mercy Flights responded to the scene. Fire crews extricated Gilmore and he was taken to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.

Responding emergency crews used an Amkus hydraulic tool — typically referred to as the "Jaws of Life" — to lift the car. Medford police Lt. Mike Budreau said Gilmore was conscious and alert as he was extricated.

His injuries included wounds on the head and multiple broken bones, police reported.

Officials said the driver, 31-year-old Jeramie Johnson, was not at fault. He was driving the speed limit. Police also added Gilmore was wearing dark clothing that made him harder to see in the early-morning hours. Additionally, police said the stretch of road is dangerous for walkers and bikers.

"The officer on scene said this particular section didn't have enough of a shoulder or sidewalk for a pedestrian to be walking on it," Budreau said.

The case remains under investigation.

It was the third incident this week of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle and suffering serious injuries. The other two incidents occurred Monday.

Police said Omer Zvi Aaronson, 30, of Ashland, was hit by a semi-truck's right fender when it swerved to miss him as he ran across Interstate 5 near milepost 24. Aaronson died from his injuries. The truck's driver was not cited.

Nevada resident Beth Kathleen Smith, 38, allegedly struck 45-year-old Richard Conley of Alaska as she drove on Highway 66 near Hyatt Lake Road, causing serious injuries to his leg and torso before driving off. Smith was arrested and booked in the Jackson County Jail. Conley was still listed in serious condition at RRMC Wednesday.

Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or by email at rpfeil@mailtribune.com.